Residents hold road blockade seeking closure of stone quarry near Melur

Madurai: Residents of Melur in Madurai district held a road blockade on Monday, demanding the closure of a stone quarry functioning at Kachirayampatti Pudur. The protesters alleged that the quarry operations had caused severe hardship to the local population.Women carrying empty water pots led the agitation, claiming that quarry waste dumped along roadsides had disrupted traffic and damaged nearby waterbodies. They also alleged that agricultural activities were affected due to dust pollution, while natural springs in the area had dried up. Residents further claimed that vibrations from quarry blasting posed a threat to nearby places of worship.The protesters said they had submitted multiple petitions to the authorities seeking action against the quarry, but no steps were taken so far.

Frustrated over official inaction, they decided to intensify their protest by blocking the road.Melur deputy superintendent of police Sivakumar, along with Kottampatti police personnel, Melur tahsildar, and officials from the Madurai district mining department, held talks with the protesters. Officials assured the residents that their grievances would be examined and appropriate action would be taken.

People’s Federation for Opposition to the Tungsten Project and Conservation of Natural Resources said in a statement that the quarry site is classified as “Ootru Paarai” in official records. They also pointed out that the Aruvimalai hill, located nearby, has been notified as an archaeological site, and an ancient Siva temple in the vicinity attracts devotees from several villages.The quarry is located close to a rural road and surrounded by agricultural land parcels, raising concerns over whether mandatory safety norms were followed. Locals alleged that mining is being carried out beyond approved limits and in unauthorized areas.While the Tamil Nadu government recently announced the closure of 11 stone quarries in Madurai district, the continued operation of the Aruvimalai quarry has disappointed locals.